Alcof Kid
Alcof Kid Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Alcof Kid is a brand name. Its generic name is Bromhexine + Cetirizine + Guaiphenesin + Menthol + Phenylephrine.
Introduction
Alcof Kid is a medication used to treat cold, cough, and allergic rhinitis. It comes in the form of tablets, syrup, or an oral disintegrating tablets. This medication is used to provide relief from different symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and itching of the throat.
Uses
The uses of Alcof Kid include the treatment of common cold, cough, and allergic rhinitis.
Mechanism of Action
Bromhexine helps to loosen thick mucus and phlegm in the airways and chest by breaking high-molecular-weight mucous glycoproteins which helps in easier expectoration. Cetirizine acts as an antagonist on histamine receptors, and thus prevents the release of histamine from mast cells which helps reduce inflammation that results from allergy. Guaiphenesin is a mild expectorant which helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up the mucus. Menthol acts as an expectorant to help with the clearing of mucus from the nose and throat and has a cooling and soothing effect on the airways. Phenylephrine is an alpha receptor agonist which works by constricting small arteries and capillaries, resulting in a decongestant effect.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
The onset of action of Alcof Kid takes usually 2 to 4 hours after administration.
Absorption
Bromhexine is absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration while Cetirizine is absorbed relatively slowly from the gastrointestinal tract. Menthol is rapidly absorbed from the mucous membrane. Phenylephrine is rapidly absorbed from the gastric mucosa. Guaiphenesin is poorly absorbed due to large first-pass effect.
Route of Elimination
Bromhexine is metabolized in the liver and is eliminated mainly in the urine in the form of metabolites. Cetirizine is metabolized in the liver and predominantly eliminated in the urine as unchanged drug and metabolites. Menthol is metabolized in the liver by conjugation to glucuronides and is excreted mainly in the bile. Phenylephrine is metabolized in the liver by O-demethylation and conjugation and is excreted in the urine as metabolites. Guaiphenesin is mainly eliminated in the faeces.
Dosage
The dosage of Alcof Kid varies according to age and weight for adults and paediatric patients. The usual adult dose for cold and cough is 8mg bromhexine+ 10 mg cetirizine + 180 mg Guaiphenesin + 0.2 mg menthol + 20 mg phenylephrine twice daily. The usual adult dose for allergic rhinitis is 10 mg cetirizine once daily. For paediatric patients, the dose varies according to age and weight and is best determined by a healthcare professional.
Administration
Alcof Kid is available in the form of tablets, syrup, or oral disintegrating tablets. It can be taken with or without food. It should be taken while with a full glass of water or as directed by the healthcare provider.
Side Effects
Common side effects associated with Alcof Kid include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Toxicity
Alcof Kid is relatively safe and does not produce toxicity when taken at the recommended dose. Rare cases of overdose may cause severe adverse effects such as severe drowsiness, hallucinations, seizures, and respiratory depression.
Precaution
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking Alcof Kid. It should be used with caution in pregnant and lactating women, and in people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hepatic or renal impairment, glaucoma, and seizure disorders. It should not be administered to children under 12 years of age.
Interaction
Alcof Kid may interact with other drugs such as warfarin, phenytoin, quinidine, and oral contraceptives. It should not be taken along with MAO inhibitors or alcohol.
Disease Interaction
Alcof Kid may cause difficulty in breathing in people having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It should be used with caution in people with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, glaucoma, and seizure disorders.
Drug Interaction
Alcof Kid may interact with drugs such as:
- Warfarin
- Oral contraceptives
- Phenytoin
- Quinidine
- Mao inhibitors
Food Interactions
Alcof Kid may interact with certain foods such as grapefruit juice, which can increase the plasma concentration of cetirizine and thus increase the risk of adverse effects.
Pregnancy Use
Alcof Kid should be used with caution in pregnant women only if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the fetus. It is not recommended for women in their first trimester of pregnancy.
Lactation Use
Alcof Kid is excreted in small amounts in breast milk and is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
Acute Overdose
Acute overdose of Alcof Kid can result in serious adverse effects such as drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and breathing difficulty. It is important to seek medical help immediately in case of an overdose.
Contraindication
Alcof Kid should not be used in people who are hypersensitive to any of its ingredients, in people with severe cardiovascular disease, and in those with moderate or severe renal or hepatic impairment.
Use Direction
Alcof Kid should be taken as directed by the healthcare provider. It should be taken with or without food as directed by the healthcare provider.
Storage Condition
Alcof Kid should be stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. The tablets should also be protected from heat and humidity.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Alcof Kid is about 0.6–1 L/kg.
Half Life
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